Community rallies to shape sensory garden
Lamlash Church has been exploring ways to develop its grounds to create a community garden.
This is a huge project and will take time, effort and money.
Work has already started on the first step to create a sensory garden, where the planting and sculpture embraces the five senses of smell, sight, touch, hearing and taste.
The church hopes to involve local schools and groups as well as securing business sponsorship in the initiative, spearheaded by Music Matters Arran and the kirk session, who appreciate the value this project will offer the com- munity. The aim of the garden is to create a tranquil place for people to wander, sit or be involved in planting, maintaining and enjoying the special place.
Local sculptors, woodworkers and artists will be invited to contribute so that the whole area will become a garden offering something for everyone, especially those who are often isolated through age, physical or mental disability.
The minister, the Rev Lily McKinnon, said: ‘We are deeply touched by the generosity and support from so many people on the island and the mainland.
‘The Margie Moffat Trust gifted £1,000, which enabled us to buy a host of sensory plants, which have now been planted, and thanks to Lochranza distillery’s donation of 10 half whisky barrels.
‘Mark Bunyan gave us two tactile toadstools which will help stimulate memory and conversation, while Neil Young Joinery supplied free top soil.
‘Continuing with the community involvement, Pearl Forbes donated some pots, and Dorothy Boyle, Robert Marr and Graeme McKinnon assisted in the potting and planting.’
The garden, once established, will be open to the public and other groups wishing to visit.